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Publisher's Summary

Previously published as Pieces of You.
From award-winning romance author Loreth Anne White comes a story of justice, loyalty, and unbreakable bonds that is both a thrilling mystery and a moving love story. Newly exonerated ex-con Jeb Cullen is determined to prove his innocence to his former neighbors and win back the heart of Rachel Salonen, the only woman he’s ever loved.
Nine years after her testimony helped put Jeb behind bars, Rachel’s life is finally getting back to normal. But it’s turned upside down by the sudden death of her sister and her new responsibility for her sister’s adopted daughter, Quinn. Now Jeb is back in his hometown, and he’s willing to risk everything to discover who was really responsible for the crime he was accused of. But there are people in Snowy Creek who will do anything to keep the truth buried, a truth that could tear the sleepy town apart and cost Jeb everything he holds dear.

Predictable

Can't Rave About This One Enough...

First book from this author...what a great introduction! Loved this story line, great suspense, and character development. I loved how the story unfolded. Didn't want to stop listening, couldn't wait for the truth to come out...but didn't want it to end.

My only two critiques of this story would be the narration - both narrators did a great job...I am just not sold on the POV narration - it takes you away from the story. I like the interlaced narration where the male does all of the male voices, the female does the female voices or just a single narrator. This wasn't much of a distraction for the most part, but I'd get engrossed and then a new voice comes along.

The second thing is the "heroine"...she worked my nerves to the fullest at times. I wouldn't trust her with the time of day...she blabs everything! Haha haha! I love books that evokes strong emotions...this one does...my heart bleeds for Jeb...but, I don't know if I wanted Rachel for him.

I purchased this thinking this was a series, but according to the author's website it's a standalone novel. That's disappointing, I would have liked to revisit some of these characters again. Overall a great book...I would definitely recommend.

Customer Reviews

New fan

Great mixture of mystery and romance

This is the first book I have read by this author and I am pleased to find another name to add to my list of favourite writers.

The hero of this story was wrongly imprisoned for ten years since being falsely convicted, aged 18, for the rape of one woman (who had no memories of the incident and subsequently had his child) and murder of another. He has come back to the small mountain resort where he grew up, to clear his name and to become a father to his daughter, whom he has never been allowed to meet. He also wants to reconnect with his former girlfriend, who is, through a complicated twist in the tale, now guardian to his daughter.

His former girlfriend still has strong feelings for him, despite being convinced of his guilt, and it was partly due to her actions as a teenager that resulted in him being falsely accused and convicted. During most of his imprisonment she was in a long term and serious relationship with another man. It was an unusual twist in the plotline that the girlfriend had lived a fairly happy life with her boyfriend, while the hero of the story had very limited sexual experience due to his ten years in prison.

The crime of 10 years ago involved many people both directly and indirectly and the hero deliberately set out to provoke everyone into memories that many of them were trying to avoid. It was interesting to hear the POV of many of those involved and to see so many shades of grey when it came to deciding guilt and innocence. For so many people it had been easier to believe that the 18 year old from “the wrong side of town” was guilty, rather than asking difficult questions from those closer to home.

The story moved along quickly, with the background of a rapidly growing forest fire adding to the tension surrounding the town. I loved how modern media played such a big role, with the hero using the media to publicise his grievances and add pressure to the guilty. So many books I read these days seem to ignore this aspect of modern life.

The final scenes were realistic, believable – and very tense. There were surprises right up until the end and the guilty parties were not entirely predictable. I liked this story. I guess if I have to gripe I suppose I was a bit annoyed that for someone so sexually inexperienced the hero did manage to be a pretty good lover but hey, this is a romance, so I can live with that!